Essential tips for organizing conferences & events

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Many conferences and training events are organised by individuals who have little experience of doing so. Some have had the task thrust upon them without being offered adequate training, and have little idea of the time, experience and care needed to plan and manage events effectively. Each conference is different, and each can present a new problem to the unprepared, even to the most experienced conference organiser.
This book provides immediate, accessible advice on how to run an effective event, featuring a wealth of practical tips, guidelines, case studies, action checklists, and useful sample material and templates. All areas of organisation are covered, including: managing, planning, contingency planning, targeting, costing and budgeting, housekeeping, administering, assuring the quality of content, evaluating, disseminating and ensuring continuity.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface (p. vii)
• Acknowledgements (p. ix)
• 1 Initiating the event: early decisions (p. 1)
• Why are you planning a conference or event? (p. 1)
• Choosing themes (p. 2)
• Intended conference outcomes (p. 4)
• 2 Choosing the right type of event (p. 7)
• What sort of event are you planning? (p. 7)
• When is a conference the best choice? (p. 10)
• One-day events (p. 11)
• Half-day events (p. 15)
• Awards ceremonies (p. 17)
• Launch events (p. 19)
• 3 Choosing the right inputs for your event (p. 23)
• Keynotes (p. 23)
• Plenary sessions (p. 31)
• Workshops and presentations (p. 33)
• Discussion sessions (p. 36)
• Networking sessions (p. 38)
• Poster exhibitions (p. 39)
• Commercial exhibitions (p. 42)
• 4 Early planning (p. 47)
• When your event will be held (p. 47)
• Choosing your venue (p. 49)
• Convening your team (p. 53)
• Leading a conference team (p. 55)
• Developing your project plan (p. 57)
• Costing the event (p. 58)
• Marketing (p. 61)
• Promoting your event (p. 63)
• Sponsorship (p. 66)
• 5 Detailed planning (p. 69)
• Timetable overview (p. 69)
• Planning for contingencies (p. 71)
• Social programme (p. 75)
• Delegate (delicate?) issues (p. 78)
• Food for thought (p. 83)
• Designing your handbook, and session options (p. 88)
• Administration: time and motion (p. 91)
• 6 Managing the event (p. 95)
• Keeping things going (p. 95)
• Reception and registration (p. 97)
• Technical support (p. 102)
• 7 Following up an event (p. 107)
• Evaluating your event (p. 107)
• Disseminating the outcomes of your event (p. 109)
• Planning for your next event (p. 111)
• 8 Resources (p. 115)
• A checklist for presenters (p. 115)
• Guidelines for workshop facilitators (p. 117)
• Chairing a presentation: some guidelines (p. 125)
• 9 Templates (p. 127)
• Conference session proposal form (p. 127)
• Conference booking form (p. 132)
• Exhibitor's booking form (p. 136)
• Invitation to conference keynote presenter (p. 138)
• Letter to prospective authors (p. 139)
• Session reviewer guidelines (p. 140)
• Rejection letter (p. 141)
• Medical details form (p. 142)
• Conference evaluation form (p. 143)
• Certificate of attendance (p. 145)
• Event manager's checklist (p. 145)
• Index (p. 149)